Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins are set to compete in a Champion vs. Champion match at WWE Crown Jewel on October 11 in Perth, Australia. WWE’s former head writer Vince Russo has expressed concerns that the current booking might perplex casual viewers, especially given lingering fan reactions related to previous storylines.
At Wrestlepalooza on September 20, Rollins and Becky Lynch were defeated by AJ Lee and CM Punk. Shortly after, during a RAW promo featuring Rollins and Rhodes, fans chanted CM Punk’s name, reflecting unresolved sentiments from the past storyline.
Vince Russo Highlights Lingering Impact of CM Punk on Current Storylines
During a discussion with Dr. Chris Featherstone on the Sportskeeda Wrestling podcast Writing With Russo, Vince Russo questioned WWE’s decision to swiftly shift Seth Rollins into a new feud despite the ongoing fan fixation on CM Punk. He emphasized that the timing might confuse viewers, as the Punk chapter feels unfinished in fans’ eyes.
“So, Seth is in the opening [segment] with Cody Rhodes,” Russo said. “We just had Wrestlepalooza, where CM Punk and AJ Lee went over Rollins and Becky, so that chapter is over. We’re onto the next thing now, and now he’s in the ring with freaking Cody. They’re chanting for CM Punk, and that’s what I’m talking about. Guys, that’s over. They had the match. Punk and AJ Lee went over, now we’re onto this next thing.”
Russo, 64, also expressed his dissatisfaction with WWE’s creative direction, describing it as
“the worst thing he watches on television.”
Why CM Punk’s Presence Overshadows Seth Rollins’ Crown Jewel Match
Cody Rhodes claimed the WWE Crown Jewel Championship by defeating Gunther in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, earlier in 2024. As Rhodes prepares to defend his title against Seth Rollins at the 2025 Crown Jewel event, Vince Russo believes ongoing fan chants for CM Punk during segments involving Rollins create confusion, especially for newer audiences.
“They’re still chanting CM Punk, which makes it so confusing because, again, if one casual [fan] happened to be watching this, you’re saying, ‘Why are we chanting CM Punk when it’s an angle over the ring?'”
The men’s Crown Jewel Championship, introduced in 2024, features a unique championship match between two top male world champions. Cody Rhodes currently holds the Undisputed WWE Championship, while Seth Rollins is the reigning World Heavyweight Champion. This match pits these two titleholders against each other for supremacy.
Fan Reactions and Future Implications for WWE Storytelling
The ongoing fan fixation on CM Punk highlights the challenges WWE faces in transitioning storylines and managing audience expectations. With Rollins involved in a high-profile match against Rhodes at Crown Jewel, the vocal presence of Punk supporters during their appearances may detract from the new narrative WWE aims to build.
Vince Russo’s remarks suggest that WWE’s creative decisions risk alienating casual viewers who might struggle to reconcile current storylines with unresolved fan sentiments about past rivalries. This dynamic could impact how effectively the company establishes fresh feuds and character arcs moving forward.
As WWE Crown Jewel approaches in Perth, it remains to be seen how the promotion will address these distractions and whether the match between Rhodes and Rollins will capture the focused attention of fans worldwide.
